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Bank Fraud and Identity Theft Lands Portland Man in Prison
Clinton Wells, 36, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $426,481.14 in restitution to his victim.
According to court documents, between March 2019 and April 2022, Wells knowingly and intentionally used personal identification and bank account information to steal the victim’s life savings. On March 13, 2019, while working for a national tax preparation company, Wells met the victim and gained access to their personal and financial information. The following day, Wells began transferring money from the victim’s bank account into his own.
In April 2019, Wells created a user profile through the victim’s online banking system. With this access, Wells completed more than 1,100 transactions including electronic money transfers and online purchases. Wells used the money to fund extravagant trips, personal expenses and online purchases. Wells’ theft went undetected until the victim passed away and family found unopened bank statements showing the unauthorized transactions.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Meredith D.M. Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Wells pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. A federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Wells on February 13, 2024. He pleaded guilty on October 30, 2024.
Clinton Wells’ sentence is a result of his brazen and calculating scheme to rob a vulnerable individual of their life savings. His actions demonstrate a callous disregard for the victim’s well-being and a blatant disregard for the law.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting personal and financial information. It also highlights the need for increased vigilance in detecting and preventing financial crimes.
Key Facts
- State: Oregon
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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